Chelsea have had an elite group of Managers create history at the club, and Xabi Alonso will be hoping to join that list soon. The Blues have enjoyed one of the most successful eras in English football since the turn of the century, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. A huge part of that success has come under the guidance of elite foreign managers who transformed the club into serial winners.
With Xabi Alonso taking charge at Stamford Bridge, many supporters are already wondering whether the Spaniard can replicate the incredible success he enjoyed at Bayer Leverkusen. Before looking ahead, here's a ranking of the five greatest foreign Chelsea managers since 2000.
5. Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea reign may have lasted just two seasons, but it remains one of the most entertaining periods in the club's modern history.
The Italian guided the Blues to a historic Premier League and FA Cup double in the 2009-10 season, becoming the first Chelsea manager to achieve that feat. His side also became the first team in Premier League history to score more than 100 league goals in a single campaign, showcasing an exciting attacking style that perfectly blended flair with efficiency.
Although his second season ended without silverware, Ancelotti left Stamford Bridge having delivered one of Chelsea's greatest domestic campaigns and is still fondly remembered by supporters.
4. Roberto Di Matteo
Few managerial spells in football history have been as unforgettable as Roberto Di Matteo's.
Initially appointed as interim manager following André Villas-Boas' departure in 2012, Di Matteo inspired one of the greatest European triumphs ever witnessed by an English club. Against all odds, Chelsea defeated Barcelona in the semi-finals before overcoming Bayern Munich in their own stadium to win the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
He also guided the Blues to the 2012 FA Cup, completing a remarkable cup double in just a few months. Although his permanent tenure ended early in the following season, Di Matteo secured Chelsea's most coveted trophy, ensuring his place in club folklore forever.
3. Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel inherited a struggling Chelsea side midway through the 2020-21 campaign and transformed them almost instantly.
Within months, he built one of Europe's most disciplined defensive units and masterminded a memorable Champions League triumph, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in Porto. His tactical flexibility, defensive organisation and ability to improve key players made Chelsea one of Europe's toughest teams to face.
Tuchel followed that success by winning both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, completing Chelsea's collection of major international trophies. Despite his relatively short stay, the German delivered silverware, consistency and memorable European nights that cemented his legacy.
2. Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte completely changed Chelsea's fortunes after a disappointing 2015-16 season.
The Italian introduced his famous 3-4-3 formation after an early defeat to Arsenal, a tactical switch that revolutionised Chelsea's campaign. The Blues went on an incredible 13-match winning streak before comfortably lifting the 2016-17 Premier League title.
Conte's intensity, demanding standards and tactical innovation extracted the best from players like N'Golo Kanté, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. In his second season, Chelsea added the FA Cup after defeating Manchester United in the final.
While his relationship with the club hierarchy eventually deteriorated, Conte restored Chelsea to the summit of English football and influenced tactical trends across the Premier League.
1. José Mourinho (Both Stints)
No foreign manager has shaped Chelsea's modern identity more than José Mourinho.
Arriving in 2004 as the self-proclaimed "Special One," Mourinho immediately delivered Chelsea's first league title in 50 years. His side collected a then-record 95 Premier League points while conceding only 15 goals, establishing one of the greatest defensive records in English football history.
During his first spell, Mourinho won back-to-back Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup, turning Chelsea into England's dominant force. His winning mentality, charismatic personality and relentless pursuit of excellence changed expectations at Stamford Bridge forever.
Mourinho returned for a second spell in 2013 and once again delivered success, leading Chelsea to another Premier League title in 2014-15 alongside the League Cup. Although his second tenure ended on a disappointing note, his overall achievements across both spells remain unmatched among Chelsea's foreign managers.
With three Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups and an enduring connection with supporters, Mourinho comfortably tops this list as Chelsea's greatest foreign manager of the modern era.
Can Xabi Alonso Join This Legendary List?
Xabi Alonso arrives at Chelsea carrying enormous expectations after producing one of the greatest managerial achievements in recent Bundesliga history with Bayer Leverkusen. His tactical intelligence, calm leadership and ability to develop young players have earned widespread praise across Europe.
However, Stamford Bridge has often proved to be one of football's toughest environments for managers. Success will ultimately be judged by trophies, consistency and how well he handles the pressure of competing for major honours every season.
Whether Alonso eventually joins Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Di Matteo, Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte and José Mourinho in Chelsea folklore remains to be seen. If he can recreate the magic of his legendary Bayer Leverkusen spell, he could well earn his place among the club's greatest foreign managers. On the other hand, if his Chelsea tenure follows the disappointing trajectory of his time at Real Madrid, it could become another cautionary tale in the club's demanding managerial history. Only time will tell which path his Stamford Bridge journey takes.
